Multipurpose apparatus for mounting objects and repairing drywall

ABSTRACT

A mounting apparatus includes a releasable adhesive layer and an engaging layer. In one embodiment the mounting apparatus includes an elongate support member having an attaching face comprising a removable protective layer and an adhesive layer that is exposed when the protective layer is removed. The engagable layer may include a face portion angled from the attaching face that is adapted to engage with another mounting apparatus. A system of the invention includes two spaced apart mounting apparatus that define a receiving track for receiving a mounting apparatus attached to an object to be mounted. The mounting system comprises a first engagable mounting apparatus track attachable to an object and a second track attachable to a wall. The first track and the second track cooperatively engage one another such that the object will be secured in a level orientation on the wall with the first and second tracks.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 11/406,761, filed Apr. 19, 2006.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to mounting devices and systems. More particularly, the present invention relates to a non-invasive mounting system that may be used for a variety of applications such as repairing drywall and mounting an object to a wall.

BACKGROUND

Drywall, also commonly referred to as wall board, gypsum panel, or sheetrock, is often used in homes, buildings, and other structures. Drywall is essentially a chalk-like gypsum pressed between layers of paperboard. Typically, sheets of drywall are nailed or screwed to a structure's framing with a plurality of sheets “hung” next to each other in an abutted fashion to form a wall. The gaps between the drywall sheets are then filled with joint compound or vinyl spackling commonly referred to as “mud.” When the mud dries the surface may be sanded and painted to provide a finished look.

While drywall provides an aesthetically pleasing look, it is easily damaged when it is struck by an object and therefore often needs repair. For example, drywall can be damaged when it is struck by a doorknob when opening a door or when it is struck by piece of furniture when moving the furniture. In addition, portions of drywall are often removed in order to gain access to the wall's interior such as to make repairs to plumbing, wiring, or other structures housed within the wall.

One method of patching drywall holes is to place paper or some other material over the hole and apply mud atop the material. A disadvantage of this technique is that the material generally produces a raised portion that must be heavily sanded. Furthermore, such techniques only work for small holes and are inapplicable for larger holes because such a repair technique does not provide adequate support. Thus, for larger holes it may be necessary to insert a replacement piece or “plug” of drywall into the hole. For example, a user may create a drywall “plug” by cutting a piece of drywall in the shape of the hole and then nailing or screwing the plug to framing positioned behind the hole. While this technique may work when there is framing located directly behind the hole that provides support for the plug, holes are often located where there is no framing on which to mount the plug. In addition, oftentimes there is some other structure, such as plumbing or wiring, that prevents the simple attachment of the plug to the framing. Thus, providing sufficient support to the plug can prove difficult.

The prior art discloses various devices and methods for repairing holes in walls. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,620,407 entitled “Method For Drywall Patching” discloses a drywall repair kit comprising a template having a saw guide, repair plug, and patching compound. The template is used to cut out a portion of the drywall about the damaged area, with the drywall being at a sloped angle or contoured inwardly. The repair plug has a peripheral sloped wall edge and is dimensioned for being insertable into the cutout with its sloped wall edges abutting the sloped or contoured wall portions defining the prepared drywall cutout. The repair plug may be mounted within the drywall cutout such that its outermost surface is slightly recessed below the surface of the drywall. Patching compound may be applied over the repair plug to form a relatively flat smooth wall surface.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,989,385 to McCullough entitled “Device For Repairing a Hole in a Plasterboard Wall” discloses a device for plasterboard repair that is formed of a flat relatively thin, stiff coverboard, and an insulation board secured by adhesive to the coverboard rear surface. The insulation board is dimensioned less than the coverboard, leaving a clear space around the peripheral of the coverboard rear surface. The insulation board is dimensioned to be received in the hole to be repaired, and screws or adhesive are used to secure the coverboard rear surface peripheral clear space to the wall to thereby retain the insulation board in the hole with the coverboard completely covering the hole.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,715,151 entitled “Plasterboard Repair Kit” discloses a repair kit for use in patching a hole in a plaster wall that includes a substantially cube-shaped inflatable member comprised of a flexible but substantially inelastic plastic. The front wail of the inflatable member includes a valved opening therein through which the device can be inflated and an interior retainer extends between the front and rear walls to prevent them from bulging after inflation. In its deflated form, the device is inserted into the cavity behind a hole in a plaster or plasterboard wall and is then inflated utilizing a carbon dioxide cartridge in a holder having a nozzle inserted into the opening. After inflation, the inflated member acts as a seal behind the hole so that the hole can then be filled with plaster or other patch material.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,555,691 to Nguyen entitled “Drywall Repair System” discloses a drywall repair kit which includes a hollow tubular guide and a solid plug for fitting into the guide. The solid plug includes adhesive on its insertion end to secure the plug in place. After the plug is secured the guide is removed. The length of the plug is only slightly less than the stud space between drywall sheets plus the thickness of the drywall.

While the devices of the prior art are suited for their intended purposes, they are complex and often require special equipment. They also often require that paper or other materials be provided atop the wall surface, thus producing an undesirable raised portion. In addition, the prior art methods can be expensive, or limited to repairing holes of a particular size. Furthermore, repairs by the methods of the prior art can result in a weakened area of the wall. What is needed is a simple, efficient, easy, and cost-effective method of repairing holes in drywall that is scalable for use to a variety of different hole sizes and produces a strengthened repair area.

In addition to repairing drywall as discussed above, it is often desirable to mount an object to a surface. For example, it is often desirable to mount a picture, painting, sign, plate, or other object to a wall.

While it is known to mount an object to a wall using invasive hardware, such as by driving a nail into the wall to provide structure upon which to hang the picture, or screwing a bracket into the wall, such invasive mounting methods are often undesirable. For example, to mount a picture on a wall using a nail, a user pounds the nail through the wall surface using a hammer. But the piercing of the wall can damage structure behind the wall such as plumbing or wiring. In addition, the wall may be made of material, such as plaster or wood that may be susceptible to cracking or splitting when a nail is driven through it; or the material may be difficult to penetrate. Alternatively, the wall may be part of a sealed container, such as a sealed drum, inflatable structure, or the like which could be pierced by the nail, thereby releasing the container's contents. Furthermore, the use of a nail is a rather noisy process that may be inappropriate for some situations, such as when a user desires to mount an object at night when a nearby neighbor is asleep. Finally, many prior art systems do not provide sufficient support for mounting objects on non-vertical surfaces such as ceilings or in environments in which the object may be subjected to other forces, such as wind.

In the cases where brackets are used to mount an object, it is often difficult to mate the bracket mounted on the wall to the object to be mounted. Bracket systems often require that a bracket be mounted on a wall and on the object to be mounted. For example, the object to be hung may lack the wire, hook, bracket, or other structure that is to be hung over the nail, thereby necessitating a complicated process by which a user must provide the object with such structure. This may prove especially difficult in situations where the object to be mounted is not conducive to receiving such devices. For example, it would not be possible to screw in a mounting bracket to a porcelain plate. In addition, many bracket systems used for mounting display objects, such as commonly done with plates, at least partly cover the front surface of the object, resulting in an unappealing look that distracts from the object.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,286,802 to Munson, et al., entitled “Hanger System Having Bubble Level Insert” discloses a hanger system comprising a first track attachable to an object and a second track attachable to a wall. The second track includes a level which indicates a level orientation of the track. The first track and the second track can cooperatively engage one another such that the object will be secured in a level orientation on the wall with the first and second tracks. While fit for its intended purpose, the Munson Patent requires the mounting of the brackets using screws and it is not applicable to wall repair.

Thus, there is a need for an apparatus that allows a user to both repair walls and mount objects. There is a further need for an apparatus and system that provides for the repair of a hole in drywall where there is no framing support at the hole. There is also a need for an apparatus and system for repairing walls that is readily scalable to repair different sized holes. There is also a need for a drywall repair device and system that minimizes the amount of mudding and sanding required to produce a finished surface. There is also a need for a drywall repair device and system that result in a sturdy repair that requires a minimal number of tools.

There is a further need for a mounting system that is non-invasive and may be used on a variety of surfaces. There is a further need for a mounting system which does not require additional tools such as a hammer or drill, which can be used with a variety of objects of different materials, such as picture frames, plates, and signs, and which does not result in excessive noise. There is also a need for an apparatus and system that allows for the simple, inexpensive, and easy mounting of an object to both vertical and non-vertical surfaces. There is also a need for a mounting system that provides for the easy replacement of a mounted object with another object.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides mounting apparatus and systems that allow for quick and easy drywall repair as well as the mounting of an object. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the mounting apparatus, called a Barry Stick after its inventor, comprises an elongated support member having an attaching portion for attaching the support member to a surface. The support member has a sufficient degree of rigidity to provide support to objects attached thereto. The attaching portion can include an exposable adhesive layer provided on a surface of the support member. The exposable adhesive layer may be covered by a removable protective layer which protects the exposable adhesive layer prior to use. When the mounting apparatus is ready for use, the protective layer is removed to expose the exposable adhesive layer. An exemplary embodiment of the mounting apparatus of the present invention therefore comprises: an elongated support member having a front face; an exposable adhesive layer provided atop said front face; and a removable protective layer provided atop said exposable adhesive layer.

In an exemplary method of the invention for repairing a hole in drywall, the mounting apparatus can be used for mounting a drywall plug within the hole. For example, the mounting apparatus may be positioned on the rear surface of the drywall so that a first portion of the adhesive layer is attached to the rear surface of the drywall and a second portion of the adhesive layer extends over the hole to define a receiving surface for receiving a drywall plug inserted into the hole. A drywall plug of a size slightly smaller than the hole may then be inserted into the hole and pressed against the second portion of the adhesive layer so that the plug adheres to the support member. An exemplary method of repairing a hole in drywall comprises: removing a removable protective layer of a mounting apparatus to expose an adhesive attaching layer; attaching a first portion of the adhesive attaching layer to the back surface of the wall adjacent to a hole so that a second portion of the adhesive surface extends over the hole thereby defining a drywall plug receiving surface; and inserting a drywall plug into the hole so that the plug attaches to the drywall plug receiving surface.

In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the mounting apparatus may be used for the non-invasive mounting of an object to a surface. In addition to the support member and attaching portion discussed above, the mounting apparatus may further include an engaging portion adapted to engage another mounting apparatus. In one exemplary embodiment, the engaging portion may be an angled face of the support member that is adapted to engage the angled face of another mounting apparatus. An exemplary embodiment of the mounting apparatus comprises: an elongated support member having a front face; an exposable adhesive layer provided atop said front face; a removable protective layer provided atop said exposable adhesive layer; and at least one engaging surface adapted to engage a second mounting apparatus. Thus, one mounting member may be attached to an object that is to be mounted and another mounting member attached to the mounting surface to which the object will be mounted. The object can then be mounted by engaging the engaging surfaces of the first and second mounting apparatus. An exemplary method of mounting an object in accordance with the invention comprises: attaching a first mounting apparatus to an object to be mounted, said mounting apparatus having an attaching portion and an engaging portion; attaching a second mounting apparatus to a surface to which the object will be mounted, said second mounting apparatus comprising a support member having an attaching portion and an engaging portion; and engaging the engaging portion of the first mounting apparatus to the engaging portion of the second mounting apparatus to mount the object.

In another exemplary embodiment of a mounting system of the present invention, multiple mounting apparatus may be used to define a receiving track for receiving another mounting apparatus. For example, a first and second mounting apparatus may be attached to a wall and arranged in a parallel-spaced-apart relationship to define a receiving track. A third mounting apparatus may be attached to an object to be mounted to the wall and the support member of the third mounting apparatus inserted into the receiving track so that the engaging surface of the inserted mounting apparatus engages the engaging surfaces of the first and second mounting apparatus. This arrangement allows for the easy mounting of an object, as well as its removal and replacement with another object by simply sliding the mounted object's mounting member along the mounting track. Of course, instead of the mounting track being defined on the wall it could be defined on the object to be mounted and the third mounting apparatus provided on the wall. In addition, multiple tracks and inserting members may be created with the mounting apparatus of the present invention and may be provided on a variety of objects and surfaces such as picture frames, plates, walls, ceilings, etc. In other exemplary embodiments of the invention, an end cap or stop may be provided to provide support at one or more ends of the track to prevent the object from sliding along the track beyond a desired position. For example, a stop may comprise a mounting apparatus that is positioned within a track defined by two spaced apart mounting members as discussed above. The stop may be fixed in a location by a variety of means, such as by inserting a fastener through one or more apertures in the stop, or by using an exposable adhesive on the stop. The stop may also be provided with one or more engaging surfaces adapted to engage the engaging surfaces of a mounting track.

In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a mounting apparatus comprises a support member having one or more apertures for mounting the support member and at least one engaging surface for engaging adapted to engage a second support member. The apertures adapted to receiving a mounting fastener such as a nail or screw so that the mounting apparatus may be mounted to a desired surface. The mounting apparatus may be used as a stop in conjunction with other mounting apparatus which form a track. The stop may include perforations for segmenting the mounting apparatus into a stop of a desired size.

In an exemplary embodiment an arrangement of five apertures are provided on the support member at predetermined angles to assist in mounting the support member to a surface at a desired angle. The mounting apparatus may also include one or more adhesive layers for attaching the mounting apparatus to a surface either in addition to or in lieu of the apertures. In an exemplary embodiment an adhesive layer is provided on a back surface of the mounting apparatus so that it may be attached to a surface, such as a wall when positioned in a track provided by other mounting apparatus so that the engaging surfaces of the mounting apparatus engages the engaging surfaces of the track mounting apparatus. As discussed above the mounting apparatus may be provided with measurement indicia.

The engaging surfaces may be provided with stop means for engagement with other engaging surfaces. For example, in one exemplary embodiment a plurality of spaced apart raised portions are provided, the area between the raised portions defining a receiving space for the raised portions of another mounting apparatus.

Thus, a user may use the stop member in conjunction with other mounting members in a mounting system. In other embodiments, a releasable adhesive layer may be provided on one or more portions of the support member. For purposes of teaching and not limitation, in the exemplary embodiments the objects mounted include a picture frame and a plate, but it is contemplated that other objects could be similarly mounted. Likewise, whereas in the exemplary embodiments the mounting surface is shown as being a wall, it will be understood that the invention is not so limited but may be used with a variety of surfaces.

Still further, the mounting member may be size adjustable. For example, the desired size of the mounting apparatus may be adjusted for the size or weight of the object to be mounted. To assist a user in obtaining a mounting apparatus of desired size-the mounting apparatus may be provided with measurement indicia and perforations. For example, perforations may be provided at predetermined intervals, such as by way of example and not limitation every inch so as to assist a user in quickly and easily separating the mounting apparatus at those points. A user can place the mounting member against the object to determine a desirable size and then separate the member at the corresponding perforation or use the measurement indicia to perform measurements. As discussed above, the mounting system may also be provided with apertures for receiving nails or fasteners if desired.

The system of the present invention thus provides a simple, quick, and inexpensive method for mounting objects that requires no tools and is non-invasive when desired. The present invention allows for the mounting of a plurality of objects, and allows for the easy replacement of a mounted object. The mounting apparatus of the present invention is also capable of interior and exterior use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a mounting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows a right side view of the mounting apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3A-3E show a method of repairing a wall in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 4A-4C show perspective views of exemplary embodiments of a mounting apparatus of the invention.

FIGS. 5A-5E show a method of repairing drywall in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 6A-6B show an exemplary embodiment of a mounting apparatus of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A-7B show an exemplary method of attaching a mounting apparatus to an object to be mounted.

FIGS. 8A-8D show a method of mounting an object to a wall in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 9A-9C show a method of mounting an object in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 10A-10C show another method of mounting an object in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 11A-11E show another method of mounting an object in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 12A-12B show a method of mounting a plate in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 13A-13C show another method of mounting a plurality of objects in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 14A-14E show a method of sizing a mounting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 shows a mounting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 shows a mounting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 17A and 17B show the engagement of two mounting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18A shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a mounting apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 18B show a rear view of the mounting apparatus of FIG. 18A in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 19 shows a right side view of the mounting apparatus of FIG. 18A in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 20 shows a top view of a mounting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 21 shows a top view of a mounting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 22 shows a top view of a mounting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 23 shows a top view of a mounting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 24A and 24B show a mounting system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 25A-25E show a method of using the mounting apparatus in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 26A-26E show a mounting system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 27 shows a mounting system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 28 shows a mounting system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Generally speaking, the apparatus, systems and methods taught herein are directed to mounting devices and systems. By applying what is taught herein, objects can quickly and easily be mounted to a desired mounting surface without the need of tools or an invasive technique. In addition, a simple and efficient method for repairing drywall is shown.

As required, exemplary embodiments of the present invention are disclosed. These embodiments are provided as examples of various embodiments of the invention and it will be understood that the invention may be embodied in alternative forms. The figures are not to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular elements, while related elements may have been eliminated to prevent obscuring novel aspects. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention. For purposes of teaching and not limitation, the illustrated embodiments are directed to repairing drywall and mounting a picture frame or plate to a wall but it will be understood that other structures could be similarly repaired and a variety of objects could be mounted to a variety of surfaces using what is taught herein.

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like numerals represent like elements throughout, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a mounting apparatus 100 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The exemplary mounting apparatus 100 includes an elongated support member 101 having a front face 103, a rear face 105, and sidewalls 107. The support member 101 also has an engaging portion 108, which in this case comprises upper and lower engaging surfaces 109 angled between the front 103 and rear 105 faces. As will be explained in more detail below, the engaging surfaces 109 may be used to engage the engaging surface 109 of other mounting apparatus 100. Attached to the front face 103 is an attaching portion 104 comprising an exposable adhesive layer 111 for attaching the mounting apparatus 100 to a surface, such as the surface of an object to be mounted or the surface of a structure to which an object will be mounted. Covering the adhesive layer 111 is a removable protective strip 113 that may be removed to expose the adhesive layer 111 so that the mounting apparatus may be attached to a surface. The adhesive layer 111 could be any variety of adhesive as long as it provides sufficient adhesion to mount the mounting apparatus to a desired surface. Applicant has found that double-sided tape sold by 3M under serial no. S-10086 works well. The support member 107 may be made of a variety of materials. Preferably, the support member 107 is sufficiently rigid to provide good support to objects to which it is attached. Applicant has found that a solid support member made of plastic such as PVC works well, but other materials may be used, such as by way of example and not limitation wood, or metal. Preferably, the mounting apparatus is made of materials that may be permanently left in the wall with no ill effects. In addition, the mounting apparatus is preferably made of all-weather material for both interior and exterior use. For example, for industrial applications fire resistant metal may be used or other materials to meet building codes. In addition, it is contemplated that portions of the support member 107 may be provided with other layers or coatings, such as a fire resistant coating, insulation layer, or padding on the rear face 105 of the support member 100. As will be described in more detail below, the mounting apparatus 100 can be used for a variety of purposes, including repairing drywall and mounting picture frames or other objects to a wall.

Turning to FIGS. 3A-3E there is shown an exemplary method of repairing a hole in drywall. As shown in FIG. 3A, a wall 300 having a sheet of drywall 301 installed on framing studs 303 has a hole 305 in need of repair. The hole 305 is of sufficient size as to require that a drywall plug be inserted into the drywall 301. In this case, the hole 305 is not located near the framing studs 303. As shown by dashed line 307 a portion of the drywall 301 surrounding the hole 305 is removed to create an enlarged hole 315 of a size slightly larger than a drywall plug 311 so that the plug 311 will fit snugly within the enlarged hole 315 when inserted thereto. For example, the plug 311 may be cut out from another sheet of drywall (not shown) and then placed up to the hole 305 and used as a guide for cutting the enlarged hole 315. This may be done using a standard drywall knife or similar cutting tool. The cut portion of the drywall 313 can then be removed from the drywall sheet 301 leaving the enlarged hole 315 (FIG. 3C).

The mounting apparatus 100 may now be installed. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4C the removable protective layer 113 may be removed from the mounting member 100 to expose the adhesive layer 111. This may be accomplished by simply pulling the protective layer 113 from the adhesive layer 111. As shown in FIGS. 3D-3E and FIGS. 5A-5E, the mounting apparatus 100 may then be attached to a rear surface 509 of the drywall 301. As shown in FIG. 5A, with the adhesive layer 111 exposed, a user may simply place the adhesive layer 111 against the rear surface 509 of the drywall 301. As best shown in FIG. 3D, the mounting apparatus 100 is positioned along the edge of the hole 315 so that a first portion 321 of the adhesive layer 111 is attached to the rear surface 509 of the drywall 301 and a second portion 323 extends over the hole 315 so that it is exposed, thereby defining a receiving surface for receiving the drywall plug 311. As shown in FIG. 5B as force F, the user presses the mounting apparatus 100 to the rear surface 509 of the drywall 301 to aid in the attachment of the adhesive layer 111 to the rear surface 509. For example, a user may simply use his or her fingers to apply pressure to the support member 100 for a few seconds to assist bonding. In the example shown in FIGS. 3D-3E, two support members 100 are provided in a generally vertical orientation, but a different number of mounting apparatus 100 could be used and provided at a variety of different angles. For example, mounting apparatus 100 could be provided horizontally, diagonally, or at some other angle and may extend partly or entirely over the hole 315.

With the mounting apparatus 100 now in place as shown in FIGS. 3D and 5B with receiving surfaces 323 exposed to receive the drywall plug 311, the plug 311 is inserted into the receiving hole 315 as shown in FIGS. 3E and 5C. As previously mentioned and shown in FIG. 3E, the plug 311 should be slightly smaller than the receiving hole 315 so that when inserted only a small gap 335 is left between the plug 311 and the edge of hole 315. This snug fit provides for an attractive surface that requires little finishing. The mounting apparatus 100 provide sufficient support to the plug 311 so that a user can provide a force F to the plug 311, as shown in FIG. 5D, so that the plug 311 readily adheres to the receiving portion 323 of the adhesive layer 111. As shown in FIG. 5E, the drywall plug 311 is now attached to the mounting members 100 and permanently installed in the drywall 301. The gaps may now be mudded and sanded, and the drywall painted to provide a finished look.

Turning to FIGS. 6A-6B there is shown a method of mounting an object to a surface in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention. For purposes of teaching, in the exemplary method a picture frame is mounted to a wall. But the invention can be used to mount a variety of objects to a variety of surfaces, by way of example and not limitation, plates, picture frames and shelving, may be mounted to a wall, ceiling, or floor. Furthermore, although the mounting apparatus are mainly shown in the exemplary embodiments as being the same thickness, they could be of different thicknesses. For example, the mounting apparatus on the wall could be a thickness of ¼″ (FIG. 4A) and the thickness of the mounting apparatus could be a thickness of ½″ (FIG. 4B).

As previously mentioned and as shown in FIG. 1 an exemplary embodiment of the mounting apparatus 100 of the present invention includes an attaching portion 104 and an engaging portion 108. The attaching portion 104 allows the mounting apparatus 100 to be attached to a surface, such as the surface of an object to be mounted or the surface of a structure to which the object will be mounted. The engaging portion 108 allows a first mounting apparatus to engage a second mounting apparatus to form a mounting assembly 605 for mounting the object. For example, a first mounting apparatus 100 can be attached to the surface of an object the user desires to mount, such as a picture frame, and a second mounting apparatus 100 may be attached to the surface of a structure to which the object will be mounted, such as a wall. A user can then mount the picture frame to the wall by engaging the first mounting apparatus with the second mounting apparatus 100.

As shown in FIGS. 6A-6B a first mounting apparatus 601A oriented with the attaching portion 104 facing forward and a second mounting apparatus 601 B oriented with the attaching portion 104 facing rearward are arranged one atop the other so that their engaging portions 108 engage. In this case, the engaging portions 108 comprise angled engaging surfaces 109 that extend between the front faces 103 and rear faces 105 of the support member 601A-B. This arrangement can be used when mounting an object to a generally flat vertical surface. As shown in FIG. 7A, a first mounting apparatus 601A may be mounted to a picture frame 701. As shown in FIG. 7B, when the first mounting apparatus 601A is attached to a rear surface 703 of the picture frame 701, angles a and P are created between the engaging surfaces 109 and the rear surface 703 of the picture frame 701. These angles define a receiving area 715 for receiving the engaging portion 108 of a second mounting apparatus 601 B. Similarly, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8B a second mounting apparatus 601 B may be attached to a wall 803 to which the picture frame 701 is to be mounted so that the engaging surfaces 109 form angles a and P between the engaging surfaces 109 and the wall 803 to which the picture frame 701 is to be mounted. The engaging surface 109 thereby defining a receiving area 815 for receiving the engaging portion 108 of the first mounting apparatus 601 A. The picture frame 701 may then be mounted to the wall 803 by engaging the engaging portions 108 of the first 601A and second 601B mounting apparatus. As shown in FIG. 8C the engaging portion 108 of the first mounting member 601A fits into the receiving area 815A of the second mounting member 601 B. Likewise the engaging portion 108B of the second mounting member 601 B fits into the receiving area 715 of the first mounting member so that the engaging surfaces 109A-B of the first 601A and second 601B mounting apparatus abut. As shown in FIG. 9A-9C, multiple mounting apparatus 100 may be provided on the object to be mounted and the surface the structure on which the object is to be mounted. This provides for an even spacing between the picture frame 701 and the wall surface 821 so that the picture frame 701 is parallel to the wall thereby avoiding an angled or slanted look. In the example shown in FIG. 9A, because the top mounting apparatus 601A provides sufficient support, the additional lower mounting member 901A may comprise two smaller portions that serve as spacers between the picture frame 701 and the wall surface 821. These portions 901A may engage a second mounting apparatus 901B mounted on the wall 803 in the same manner as discussed above. As discussed in more detail below, to assist in placing the mounting members 601A and 601B in a level arrangement a user may make guide marks on the wall or picture frame.

In the previous example, the picture frame 701 was mounted to the vertical surface 821 of a wall 803. However, the mounting apparatus 100 of the present invention may be used to mount objects on non-vertical surfaces as well. To provide additional support when mounting an object, mounting apparatus may be arranged on a first surface so as to define a receiving track adapted to receive a mounting apparatus attached to another surface. For example, as shown in FIG. 10A, a first mounting member 1001A and a second mounting member 1001B can be placed in a parallel spaced-apart relationship to define a receiving track 1015 for receiving a third mounting member 1001C. As shown in FIG. 10C, the third mounting apparatus 1001C can be inserted into the receiving track 1015 to form a mounting assembly 1025 so that the engaging portion 108 of the inserted mounting apparatus 1001C engages the engaging portions 108A, 108B of the fist 1001A and second 1001B mounting apparatus. In determining the proper spacing of the mounting apparatus 1001A, 1001B to form the mounting track 1015, a user may use the third mounting apparatus, 1001C as a position guide. For example, as shown in FIG. 10D the inserted mounting apparatus 1001B may be sandwiched between two outer mounting apparatus 1001A, 1001C prior to attachment to a surface. A user can then determine the proper placement of the first 1001A and second 1001B mounting apparatus on the wall (or the object to be mounted). The third mounting apparatus 1001C can then be removed and mounted to an object and the first 1001A and second 1001B mounting apparatus attached to the wall.

For example, as shown in FIG. 11A, prior to removing the protective adhesive strip 113 and exposing the adhesive layer 111 mounting, first 1001A and a second 1001B and third 1001C mounting apparatus may be engaged together as discussed above and placed against a wall 1101. As shown in FIG. 11B, a user may then generate guidelines 1035 as a guide for mounting the first and second mounting apparatus 1001A, 1001B when forming the track 1015 to ensure an appropriate spacing for receiving the third mounting apparatus 1001C that will be inserted into the track 1015. The inserted mounting apparatus 1001C may be removed and the first 1001A and second 1001B mounting apparatus attached to the wall 1101 in accordance with the guidelines to form the mounting track 1015. The third mounting apparatus 1001C may be mounted on a picture frame 1107 and inserted into the receiving track (FIGS. 10B, 11D) until it is in a desired position. As shown in FIG. 11E, the picture frame 1107 is mounted to the track 1015 to form a mounting system 1015. The picture frame can be removed by simply sliding the frame 1107 out of the track 1025. To provide increased support and limit this lateral movement end caps (not shown) could be provided.

Because the mounting system is non-invasive and the mounting system is provided behind the object mounted, the system is ideal for mounting fragile display objects such as plates 1205 shown in FIGS. 12A-12B to a vertical surface such as a wall and a non-vertical surface such as the ceiling 1201 shown in FIGS. 12A-12B.

Furthermore, the mounting apparatus may be used as part of the display and may be provided in different colors. It is also contemplated that the mounting apparatus may be provided of different thickness and height. For example, standard thicknesses of ¼″, ½″ and ¾″ sizes may be provided (see FIGS. 4A-4C). To readily identify a mounting apparatus of a particular thickness a specific color could be assigned to apparatus of a particular thickness. For example, a ¼″ apparatus may be white, a ½″ blue, and a ¾″ red. While in the previous examples the mounting apparatus have been of a size smaller than that of the object being mounted so as not to extend beyond the object, this may not necessarily be the case. For example, the mounting apparatus 1001A and 1001B may be substantially longer than the mounting apparatus 1001C attached to the plate 1205. This arrangement allows for multiple plates 1205A-C to be mounted on the receiving track defined by the first 1001A and second 101B mounting member (FIGS. 13A-13C). It also allows for a plate 1205 to be easily removed. Likewise, although in the exemplary embodiments the mounting apparatus have been of the same thickness, apparatus of different thicknesses may still be engaged with one another using their engaging portions.

The mounting apparatus may be provided in a variety of sizes. To assist in properly sizing a mounting member, as shown in FIG. 14A the mounting apparatus 100 may be provided with perforations 1401 that assist the user in separating the mounting apparatus to provide a mounting apparatus of a desired length. In addition, the mounting member 100 may be provided with measurement indicia 1407 so that a user can readily determine the size of the mounting apparatus 100 and use the mounting member as a ruler. The perforations 1401 may be located at particular lengths coincident with the measurement indicia 1407, such as at every inch, ½″, ¼″, etc. As shown in FIG. 14B a user can place the mounting apparatus 100 up to the object 1403 to be mounted to determine a desired length a for the mounting apparatus. In this example, a length a, such as four inches, is determined that corresponds to indicia indicating 4″ and a perforation 1401. As shown in FIG. 14C the user can then separate a portion 1421 of desired length from the mounting apparatus at the perforation 1401. A user can then mount the separated portion 1421 to an object 1403 to be mounted. If the user desires to provide a corresponding mounting apparatus to engage the separated portion 1421 on a wall that is the same size, he can simply repeat the process by measuring four inches on the remaining portion of the mounting apparatus 100 using the measurement indicia 1407 to determine another desired severing point 1406 that may be used to obtain a second portion 1431 of a desired size. The user may also obtain spacer portions 1451 by severing the mounting apparatus into desired lengths, such as 1 ½″, and then mounting the spacer portions 1451 to the object 1403.

As also shown in FIGS. 14A-E, a plurality of apertures 1405 may be provided in the mounting apparatus 100 for receiving nails or other fasteners to mount a mounting apparatus 100. As shown in FIG. 15, the apertures 1405 may be straight, angled, or both. The use of the apertures 1405 may be applicable when mounting very heavy objects which weigh more than the adhesive force of the adhesive layer 111 can sustain. As shown in FIG. 14E the second portion 1431 may be mounted to a wall 1409 using nails 1411 extending through apertures 1405. It is contemplated that the user may mount a mounting apparatus using the adhesive layer, fasteners extending through the apertures 1405, or both. In the example shown in FIG. 14E, if the wall surface 1413 would be susceptible to damage if the mounting apparatus were mounted using the adhesive layer and then removed, then the protective layer 113 may remain on the mounting apparatus to prevent adhesion of the adhesive layer 111 to the wall and the mounting apparatus mounted using nails.

FIG. 16A shows another exemplary embodiment of a mounting apparatus 1600 of the invention. In the embodiment of FIG. 16, the mounting apparatus 1600 comprises a support member 101 having a front face 103 with an exposable adhesive layer 111 and a removable protective layer 113, and first and second engaging portions 108. A plurality of raised portions 1610 are provided on the engaging portions 108. The spaces between the raised portions 1610 define receiving spaces 1620 for receiving a raised portion 1610 from another mounting apparatus 1600. The engagement of the raised portions 1610 with the receiving spaces 1620 act as a stopping means 1630 to limit the movement of the engaged first and second mounting apparatus 1600.

In FIG. 17A a first mounting apparatus 1600A facing a first direction and a second mounting apparatus 1600B facing an opposite direction are arranged so that the raised portions 1610 of the first mounting apparatus 1600A are aligned with the receiving spaces 1620 of the second mounting apparatus 1600B. The first 1600A and second 1600B mounting apparatus are placed together so that their engaging portions 108 engage so that the raised portions 1610 mesh with the receiving spaces 1620 as shown in FIG. 17B to form a mounting assembly 1640. The meshing of the engaging portions 108 and the receiving spaces 1620 serves as a stop means 1630 to limit movement of the mounting apparatus 1600A-B. As discussed above, this arrangement may be used to mount an object to a surface, such as where the second mounting apparatus 1600B is mounted to a wall and the first mounting apparatus is mounting to an object. While the mounting apparatus 1600 is shown with raised portions 1610 on each engaging surface 108, the raised portions 1610 may be provided on only one of the engaging surfaces 108. Furthermore, the stopping means 1630 may take other forms such as raised portions and recesses of different shapes and sizes.

FIGS. 18A-B show another exemplary embodiment of a mounting apparatus 1800 of the present invention. Similar to the mounting apparatus discussed above, the mounting apparatus 1800 of FIG. 18A has a front 1801 and rear face 1802 and first 1803 and second angled faces 1804 which define engaging portions 108. The mounting apparatus 1800 is also provided with measurement indicia 1407 and perforations 1401,1403 on both its front 1801 and rear face 1803 to assist in the segmentation of the mounting apparatus 1800 into a desired size. Groups 1820 of apertures 5,8,9,10,11 are also provided for receiving a fastener. In this embodiment, the apertures 5,8,9,10,11 are arranged in cross-shaped patterns 1820 of five apertures. The apertures are angled with respect to the front 1801 and rear 1802 face of the mounting apparatus 1800 and are adapted to receive a mounting fastener. For example, a first vertically oriented aperture 5 extends downwardly from a first opening 6 on the front face 1801 to a second opening 7 on the rear face 1803 of the mounting apparatus 1800 so that a fastener inserted through the aperture 5 will extend at a downward angle when mounting the mounting apparatus 1800 to a vertical surface in the vertical orientation shown. A second vertically oriented aperture 8 is provided parallel to and below the first aperture 5 and is angled upward in the orientation of the mounting apparatus 1800 shown in FIG. 18A. This allows for a downward angle of a fastener through the aperture 8 if the mounting apparatus 1800 is rotated 180 degrees from the orientation shown. Third 9 and fourth 10 horizontally angled apertures are also provided, and may be used for mounting the mounting apparatus 1800 in a horizontal orientation. A center aperture 11 may also be provided at the center of the aperture group 1820 and extend straight through the mounting apparatus 1800.

As shown in FIG. 18B and described in more detail below, the mounting apparatus 1800 may be segmented at a perforation 1401 so that a portion 23 may be separated from the mounting apparatus 1800 and used as a stop in a mounting assembly.

As seen in side view in FIG. 19 and in top view in FIGS. 20-23 the mounting apparatus 1800 may include an exposable adhesive layer 111 and a removable protective layer 113 as discussed above for mounting the apparatus to a surface. These layers 111,113 may be provided on the rear face 1802 of the mounting apparatus 1800 (FIGS. 19 and 20), on the front face 1801 (FIG. 21), on both the front 1801 and rear face 1802 (FIG. 22), or neither on the front 1801 or rear 1802 face (FIG. 23).

These different arrangements allow a user to select the particular mounting apparatus 1800 that is suitable for the particular mounting system employed. For example, FIG. 24A shows an exemplary embodiment of a mounting system 2400 in which two mounting apparatus 1800A, 1800B are provided with exposable adhesive layers on a front face 1801, as shown in FIG. 21, so that the front face 1801 may be attached to a wall 1880 so that the engaging surfaces 1803, 1804 extend outwardly from the wall 1880 (FIG. 27). The two mounting apparatus 1800A-B may be attached in a spaced apart arrangement to form a receiving track 1860 for receiving a third mounting apparatus 1800C attached to an object to be mounted. The third mounting apparatus 1800C may also have an exposable adhesive layer on a front face 1801 as shown in FIG. 21, so that a front face 1801 of the mounting apparatus 1800C may be attached to the back of an object 1890, such as a picture frame.

A portion 23 of a mounting apparatus 1800 having an exposable adhesive layer 111 on a rear face 1802 (FIGS. 19 and 20) may be segmented from the mounting apparatus as shown in FIG. 18B and be attached to the wall 1880 between the two mounting apparatus 1800B, 1800C to form a stop 13 to limit the movement of the mounting apparatus 1800C within the receiving track 1860 and thereby limit the movement of the object 1890 to which it is attached. As shown in FIG. 24B and FIG. 27, the third mounting apparatus 1800C attached to the object 1890 may be inserted into the receiving track 1860 so that the engaging surfaces 1803,1804 of the third mounting apparatus 1800C engage the inner engaging surfaces 1803,1804 of the first and second mounting apparatus 1800A, 1800B. The downward movement of the third mounting apparatus 1800C may be limited by abutment with the stop 13.

Turning to FIGS. 25A-25E and 26A-26H there is shown an exemplary method for employing a mounting system of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 26A, a removable protective layer 113 may be removed from a front face 801 of first 1800A and second 1800B mounting apparatus to expose an adhesive layer 111. As shown in FIGS. 25A and 26B the mounting apparatus 1880A,1800B may be mounted to a wall 1880 in a parallel spaced apart relationship to form a receiving track 1860. The mounting apparatus 1800A,1800B may be mounted using an adhesive layer 111 discussed above or by inserting fasteners (not shown) through apertures 2601 in the mounting apparatus 1800A,1800B, or by using the adhesive layer 111 and a fastener.

As shown in FIG. 25B, a portion 23 may be separated from another mounting apparatus 1800D and a removable protective layer 113 may be removed from the portion to expose an adhesive layer 111 on the rear surface 802 of the portion 23. The portion 23 may then be provided within the receiving track 1860 to function as a stop 13 (FIGS. 25C, 26D). As shown in FIG. 26D the stop 13 may also be mounted using a fastener, such as a nail 26 that extends through an aperture 2601.

As shown in FIG. 26E a protective layer 113 may be removed from a third mounting apparatus 1800C to expose an adhesive layer 111 on a front face 801 and the third mounting apparatus 1800C may be mounted to an object 1890 (FIG. 26F) that is to be mounted on the wall 1880. As shown in FIGS. 25D and 26G the third mounting apparatus 1800C may be inserted in the receiving track 1860 and slid down until the third mounting apparatus abuts the stop 13 (FIGS. 25E and 26H). The stop 13 provides support for the third mounting member 1800C and prevents movement of the third mounting member 1800C out of the bottom of the receiving track 1860. The mounting apparatus 1800A,1800B,1800C and the stop 13 defining a mounting assembly 2400.

As shown in FIG. 27, the first and second mounting apparatus 1800A, 1800B may be mounted using fasteners 6 inserted through one or more apertures 1808 in lieu of, or in addition to, the adhesive layers 111. As shown in FIG. 28, the first 1800A and second 1800B mounting apparatus and the stop 13 may be formed as an integrated mounting unit 2800. The integrated mounting unit 2800 may include first 2801A and second 2801B parallel-spaced-apart extension portions that serve as a receiving track for receiving a mounting apparatus 1800C. The extension portions 2801A,2801B may be provided with perforations 2804 for segmenting the extension portions to from an integrated mounting unit 2800 of a desired length. The extension portions may also include measurement indicia 2807, as well as apertures 1808, and exposable adhesive layers 111 as discussed above in connection with other mounting apparatus to mount the integrated mounting unit 2800 to a surface such as wall 1880.

The first and second extension portions 2801A,2801B are connected at a first end by a connecting portion 2813. The second ends of the 2801A,2801B are not connected so that they serve as an opening to the receiving track for receiving a mounting apparatus 1800C. The connecting portion 2813 effectively serves as a stop that limits movement of the inserted mounting apparatus 1800C when it abuts the connecting portion. The integrated mounting unit 2800 thus provides a user with a preformed receiving track adapted to receive a mounting apparatus 1800C of predetermined size.

An advantage of the mounting apparatus of the present invention is that they provide spacing between an object and the surface to which it is to be mounted. Thus, the mounting apparatus may be conveniently attached to a recessed portion of an object, such as the interior of a window frame, so that the object is mounted parallel to the mounting surface.

The above-described and illustrated embodiments of the present invention are examples of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the invention. Variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, and the embodiments may be combined, without departing from the scope of the following claims. It should be recognized that elements of the exemplary embodiments may be altered by persons skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For example, as disclosed in the specification the mounting apparatus has two engaging surfaces so that it can be easily engaged with another mounting apparatus without worry as to whether one of the mounting apparatus is upside down, but it is contemplated that a single engaging surface could be provided on the mounting apparatus. 

1. A mounting apparatus, comprising: a support member; at least one aperture provided in said support member, said aperture adapted to receive a mounting fastener; and at least one engaging portion adapted to engage a second mounting apparatus.
 2. The mounting apparatus of claim 1, wherein said plurality of apertures comprises at least one angled aperture.
 3. The mounting apparatus of claim 1, further comprising at least one perforation, said perforation adapted to assist the segmentation of said mounting apparatus.
 4. The mounting apparatus of claim 3, wherein said perforation comprises at least one perforation on a front face of said support member and at least one perforation on a rear face of said support member aligned with said front perforation.
 5. The mounting apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an exposable adhesive layer provided on a front face of said support member.
 6. The mounting apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an exposable adhesive layer provided on a rear face of said support member.
 7. The mounting apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a first exposable adhesive layer provided on a front face of said support member and a second exposable adhesive layer provided on a rear surface of said support member.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said at least one engaging portion comprises an angled face.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said at least one engaging portion further comprises a stop means.
 10. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said stop means comprises a plurality of raised portions.
 11. A mounting system, comprising: a first mounting apparatus; a second mounting apparatus spaced a predetermined distance from said first mounting apparatus, said first and second mounting apparatus defining a receiving track adapted to receive a third mounting apparatus; and a stop provided between first and second mounting apparatus.
 12. The mounting system of claim 11, wherein said stop comprises a portion of a mounting apparatus.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said stop comprises: a support member, said support member having at least one engaging portion adapted to engage an engaging portion of said first or second mounting apparatus.
 14. The mounting system of claim 11, wherein said stop further comprises a second engaging portion adapted to engage an engaging surface of said second mounting apparatus.
 15. The mounting system of claim 11, wherein said stop further comprises an exposable adhesive layer.
 16. An integrated mounting unit, comprising: a first extension portion; a second extension portion parallel to said first extension portion; and a connecting portion connecting a first end of said first extension portion to a first end of said second extension portion.
 17. The integrated mounting unit of claim 16, wherein said first extension portion and said second extension portion are provided with at least one perforation.
 18. The integrated mounting unit of claim 16, further comprising a plurality of apertures adapted to receive a fastener.
 19. The integrated mounting unit of claim 16, wherein said first extension portion comprises an engaging surface for engaging a mounting apparatus.
 20. The integrated mounting unit of claim 16, further comprising measurement indicia. 